Are you planning your travels for 2025 but want to minimize your ecological impact? Hats of to you for being ahead of the curve, in terms of both eco-friendliness AND in planning! Next year, here are some of the top destinations that highlight sustainable travel and responsible tourism.
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| A shrine in Kobe, Japan |
1. Japan
Japan has been a hot travel spot since the country re-opened after COVID, but it remains on this list for a couple of reasons. First, the strong Dollar to Yen exchange rate gets visitors more for their money. Second, Japan is one of the world's top innovators for sustainable tourism while preserving its cultural identity. Since Japan's ethos of waste minimization starts with its people, this value is carried on in its travel practices and guidelines for visitors. Tourists can support these efforts by participating in green activities, like relaxing in hot springs in Hakone and visiting temples or shrines for cultural enrichment.
Star-sustainability property:
Check out the All Day Place hotel in Shibuya. This property is conveniently within walking distance to Shibuya station for easy access to anywhere in Tokyo. It's also steps away from the famous Miyashita Park, for quick green-space access. All amenities provided by All Day Place are eco friendly without the use of single-use-plastics:
- Toothpaste paper
- Bamboo toothbrushes
- No plastic water bottles (glasses are provided instead)
Maniitsoq, Greenland
2. Greenland
Greenland makes the list for sustainable travel destinations, as it has been making significant efforts in the form of renewable energy projects and the development of tours that highlight the importance of combatting climate change. Additionally, Greenland has organized community-based tourism that stays mindful of its indigenous cultures while placing priority on preserving its one-of-a-kind Arctic environment.
There are plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to take in Greenland's stunning landscape.
- Visit the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to learn about the importance of glacier conservation. Guided glacier hiking or boat tours are available.
- Take a tour to learn about Inuit culture and support their local economy.
- Experience dog sledding in the winter. Dog sleds remain a method of transportation for Greenlanders, and there's no carbon emissions!
Star-sustainability property:
The Hotel Arctic is located in the Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the northern-most 4 star hotel in the world. The property gives travelers the option of staying in one of its hotel rooms, an Aurora-viewing cabin, or fully-equipped apartments. The hotel is fully carbon neutral, and coexists with its natural surroundings rather than making its mark. The Hotel Arctic's on-site restaurants craft new dishes with a sole focus of using Greenlandic ingredients, which are sustainably sourced from local producers.
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| Volcanic crater in the Azores, Portugal |
3. Portugal
Portugal has been making large strides in sustainability by using renewable energy, practicing sustainable agriculture, and promoting green initiatives in its large cities, like Porto and Lisbon. This is a result of Portugal's Tourism Strategy 2027, which aims to position the country as one of the most sustainable tourism destinations worldwide. This strategy extends to its development of eco-friendly tourism activities, like:
- Visiting sustainable vineyards for wine tasting. We recommend visiting vineyards in the Duoro valley, as they practice sustainable farming and are conscious of soil health.
- Participating in eco-tours, like whale-watching or hiking, in the Azores, which is renowned for its marine conservation work.
- Visit and support the Iberian Wolf Recovery Center in Mafra, which provides a safe environment for this endangered species.
Star-sustainability property:
The Monte do Peral eco-lodge in the Alentejo region of Portugal is designed to exist in harmony with its natural landscape and subsists on renewable energy - rooms are heated and cooled geothermally. All profits from this hotel fund the AMI Foundation, which supports those living in extreme poverty situations.
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| A park in Seoul, South Korea |
4. South Korea
South Korea's progress in green urban planning, reduction in carbon emissions, and cultural preservation makes it a great destination for the sustainable traveler. Seoul is the greatest example of its ecological efforts, with its prominent green spaces (check out the Seoul Forest) and eco-conscious transportation (see their Climate Card Tourist Pass). South Korea has a fantastic variety of national parks for visitors to explore, ranging from mountains to islands and coastal parks. Jeju Island is rich with volcanic and jungle hiking trails - perfect for explorers who crave variety.
Star-sustainability property:
The Hotel Cappuccino in Seoul's Gangnam District is focused on responsibility - of our space, what we use, and of others, featuring toiletries from "STOP THE WATER WHILE USING ME!", which sends a message in and of itself. The property places emphasis on up-cycling and reuse, which can be seen in its furnishings and "Share Your Clothes" box in the lobby.
Where will you go in 2025?
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